AMHA Community Update

In these very uncertain times, nothing is more important than family. As part of our unique and special Morgan family, we must all pull together to protect the health and well-being of each of us as well as our horses.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, AMHA joins other organizations such as the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) in taking preventative measures to ensure our collective well-being:

• We ask that everyone familiarize yourself with the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended guidelines (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines (www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019).

• At this time, our physical offices are closed to the public until further notice. We are still receiving mail and parcel deliveries from FedEx and UPS at the Kentucky office. On Monday, March 23, 2020 a limited number of staff members will return to and work from the offices in Shelburne and Lexington. The remainder of the staff will be working remotely from their homes. Luckily, we were already in the process of transitioning to a remote-friendly environment thanks to our move to Kentucky. Although we have not completed the process, enough components are already in place to make it easier to adapt at this time. We anticipate some delays in the returning of messages and mailing of certificates. We do ask for your patience as we navigate these new procedures at a time when we had originally been planning to train several NEW staff members. 

• The Morgan Horse magazine—editorial and design staff, working remotely, will continue with editorial and advertising plans already in progress for our next issues—remaining sensitive to any developments that may impact our community of members, readers, and advertisers.

• AMHA strongly supports USEF’s recommendation of cancellation of equestrian events for the next 30 days. We realize the impact this will have on many of our members and we are meeting regularly to discuss ways to help mitigate those effects.

• The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show® committee is monitoring the situation daily and will plan as necessary. Qualification for Oklahoma should be the last worry on your mind at this time.

• A special task force has been formed to look into the many ramifications our members will face due to this health crisis. We will keep you updated on all opportunities available to help our members survive this unprecedented situation. Some initial resources suggested by the UPHA include:

• U.S. Small Business Administration. Provider of low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. Go to: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance for more information.

• Better Business Bureau. Tips on how to navigate the Coronavirus Crisis. Go to: https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21714-business-tips-hot-to-navigate-the-coronavirus-crisis for more information.

• Local Chamber of Commerce. Information on resources for your specific area.

• Local Financial Institution. Contact your lender and loan service provider to find out what options are available to you such as: refinance, loan modification, new repayment plan or forbearance.

• We are committed to providing you with the latest news as it pertains to our community and will be in touch periodically with updates.

As our world evolves hour by hour, our commitment remains the same. We strive to preserve, promote, and perpetuate the Morgan horse. We will continue to follow developments as they occur and bring you frequent updates as we navigate this ever-changing world.

C.A. Lee, III
AMHA President